Sponge cup



May 26, 1931, H. F. GUENTZLER v 39 I SP ONGEiCUP Filed March 5.. 1929INVENTOR f/HPMA/V F GUE/VTZLER ATTORN EY Patented May 26, 1931 HERMAN F.GUENTZLER, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO SIPONGE CUP Application filed March 5,

This invention relates to a moistening pad or sponge cup whereby asurface supply of moisture is kept constantly available for the use ofbank tellers and others engaged in similar work where it is necessary tohave a handy means for moistening the finger-tips frequently, or forwetting postage stamps, envelope flaps, and the like. Among the aims ofthe invention are the provision of an apparatus which will not requirefilling except at considerable intervals and will not be in danger ofbeing upset nor of spilling water if it is accidently overturned, andwhich can be readily and cheaply manufactured. Other purposes andadvantages of this invention will be apparentfrom the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whereinFig. 1 is a perspective view of my sponge moistener; and

Fig. 2 is a vertical central section through the same.

In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, the moistener isshown as consisting of a cylindrical sponge l projecting above the topof a hollow ring-shaped container 2 which also constitutes a waterreservoir. The outer walls 2 of the container are herein shown as beadedor doubled upward on the inside to form a flange d which supports acircular bottom piece 5 which is thus elevated sufficiently above thebase to allow room for a short downward filling nozzle and cap 6, therelative elevation of the bottom piece and length of the filling capbeing such that the cap does not touch the surface upon which themoistener is set. The inner wall 7 of the moistener, which comprises theimmediate holder for the sponge, is perforated as shown at 8 near thebottom to allow access of water to the bottom of the sponge gradually asit is carried away by the pores of the sponge. The hollow ring 2 whichconstitutes the water reservoir is closed at the top so that a vacuum isformed above the water therein, and water can consequently escape onlyas air bubbles in through the outlet hole 8, which in turn can occuronly when the water level in the central sponge holder falls below thetop of the hole.

1929. Serial No. 344,270.

In using my invention, the entire apparatus is inverted, the filling cap6 removed and the reservoir 2 filled with water, the cap replaced andthe holder set upright in position for use. It will be observed thatwhether the sponge 1 be inserted in position or left out no excess ofwater can flow into the central cup on account of the low position ofthe water inlet 8.

It will be understood that my invention is not limited to the particularform shown but that the relative sizes, shapes, proportions andmaterials of the members may be modified. For example, it is Within thepurview of my lnvention to alter the outline of my reservoir, or theshape or material of the sponge, to change the location and character ofthe lling cap, and so on.

The scope of my invention is to be determined by the following claimrather than by the disclosure herein.

hat I claim is A sponge holding cup comprising in combination concentricvertical rings of different height, a bottom piece, the inner ring andthe portion of the bottom piece defined thereby constituting theimmediate sponge-holding elements, a spacer ledge rising within theouter ring, a circular bottom piece resting upon the upper edge of thespacer ledge and supporting the inner vertical ring, a filling orificeand cap on the under side of the bottom piece but of less depth than thespacer ledge, said orifice communicating with the annular space betweenthe concentric rings, an air-tight connection between the tops of saidvertical rings, and edges defining an opening through the inner ringadjacent the bottom.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix signature this 28th day ofFebruary, 1929.

HERMAN F. GUENTZLER.

